With the 21st overall pick Flames select C Mark Jankowski

[sureLoss]

Please use this thread to discuss the prospect only

If you want to discuss the merits of trading down for this player please use this thread:
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=118410

[sureLoss]

really off the board pick

Mark Jankowski THW Close-Up:

Date of birth: September 13th, 1994
Place of birth: Dundas, Ontario
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 1st time eligible in 2012
THW Ranking (May) (http://thehockeywriters.com/2012-nhl-draft-rankings-the-next-ones-top-120/): 42nd
Other Rankings


CSS (North American skaters) (http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=62970): 43
McKeen’s (http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1163902): 37
ISS (http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=9653): 55
Craig Button (http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=49649): 14
Hockey Prospectus (http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1319): 36



TSN Scout Craig Button: Mark is a late bloomer but certainly a testament to the adage; it doesn't matter where you start but where you finish. He was not on any scouting radar at the outset of this season but when he did appear, he became a bright, blinking light. He is an excellent skater with a long, efficient stride combined with agility, quickness and balance that allows him to impose himself on the game. He can beat defenders 1-1 and is capable of opening up ice for himself and breaking down opponents for his team's gain. His puck skills are very good, with his playmaking and passing taking the lead but his shot should not be underestimated. His sense and vision is excellent and he's capable of making plays that open up terrific offensive chances. He is unselfish to a fault but when the game is in the balance, he takes charge. He competes and works in all areas of the game and as he continues to physically mature, he has the potential to be that big, skilled center that NHL teams covet.

Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Janko61

[MRCboicgy]

Who?

[yads]

I don't even...

[FlamesAddiction]

He's certainly tall.... hopefully he fills out.

Sounds like a risky pick.

He looks extremely appreciative to have been drafted which is good.

[J pold]

Well we made Pierre cry, so win... I guess?

[RT14]

Holy crap...probably could've gotten him with the 2nd we just got...unbelievable.

[kirant]

I don't mind this pick. He's got a chance of being amazing. Could be a steal if he works out.

Feaster definitely likes to roll the dice though.

[Blaster86]

Feaster's way of saying "don't plan on competing any time soon"

[MrMastodonFarm]

Craig Button had him as his diamond in the rough pick going to the Devils at 29.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Holy crap...probably could've gotten him with the 2nd we just got...unbelievable.

It's actually unbelievable you know that.

[hkstylez]

International Tournaments:

None
ETA = 4-5 years
Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 5/5 Reward = 5/5
NHL Potential:

First or second line center
Strengths:

• Very good hockey sense and excellent on-ice vision
• Intelligent player with good offensive instincts
• Patience with the puck and great puck-distribution skills
• Surprisingly good defensively
• Accurate slap shot and wrist shot
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

• Needs to improve his first few steps and acceleration
• Needs to bulk-up (add 15-20 pounds), and strengthen both his upper body and lower body
• Needs to improve his face-off skills
• Needs to work on the quickness and the release of his shot
Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive = 8/10 Defensive = 7/10
NHL Player(s) Comparison:

- Jason Spezza

[Flabbibulin]

Thanks for the coverage for those that cant watch Sureloss

[J pold]

6'2 and 3/4 baby!

[flames_1987]

Wait.....this kid is still years and years away from playing for the Flames. This doesn't fit my made up narrative of the Flames doing anything to win now? Now I'm upset...

[Manhattanboy]

We always have to be different don't we.

[sureLoss]

Feaster says 10 years from now Jankowsi will be known as the best player in ths draft

[baerfan]

I was more excited when Jay congratulated Sutter, oh well hopefully we wont regret this pick

[Blaster86]

Feaster made the right play. Saw who he wanted and traded down to make up assets because he knew his guy would almost assuredly be available.

All you have to ask now is "Do I trust the Calgary Flames amateur scouting."

[FlameFan21]

Way, way, WAY out of left field. I wish him the best of luck.

[Scoopdogg]

WTH. why not wait until the 42nd pick to get this guy

[Flame On]

I don't mind a project and an added pick out of it, especially one that's pretty big.

[Eb0la11]

Where is he committed to play next year? Thats important.

[devo22]

wow. No offense to Jankowski (I honestly don't know much about the guy), but I'm pretty disappointed right now that they didn't take Määttä.

[FlamesAddiction]

He has some positive vibes coming from him. I can live with this pick.

But it seems wierd to pick a Canadian highschool player.

[kyuss275]

What was it Weisbrod said? Something like "don't trade the 1st round pick i found our guy".

Time will tell.

[MrMastodonFarm]

WTH. why not wait until the 42nd pick to get this guy

You know the draft doesn't play out the way TSN predicts right?

Jesus, people are stupid.

[Flabbibulin]

Dont mind the pick

[FlamesAddiction]

What was it Weisbrod said? Something like "don't trade the 1st round pick i found our guy".

Time will tell.

I believe it was Tod Button.

[Lt.Spears]

Bring on the CP love.

Not a big fan, glad we picked a Center but this guy is likely to play 2014/2015.

Were a LONG way away from having another impact Prospect.

[jschick88]

Corey Pronman from hockeyprospectus.com

Playing in a pretty obscure league, Jankowski has impressed scouts I've talked to due to his significant growth physically and from a hockey development standpoint over the last year or two. Jankowski is an above-average skater who has a nice fluid look to his movements on top of good agility and top speed, although I should note that not every scout I talked to liked his skating. Jankowski's best asset is his hockey sense, as he's an aware, creative playmaker. He was checked tightly in games this year due to his skill level and the relative low talent level of his peers but he regularly executed above-average distributions and showed the ability to make plays in tight spaces. Jankowski tries to play physical, but despite good size he is not that effective in the physical game due to a significant lack of strength and a beanpole frame. Jankowski has the puck skills and hockey sense to be a noticeable possession player but will need quite a few years of development time. He arguably has first round talent and could be a major sleeper, but due to the fact that I haven't really seen him, I don't feel comfortable putting him that high and this ranking is due to projection uncertainty as much as it is talent assessment.

https://twitter.com/coreypronman

[Yrebmi]

I'll go on record as liking the pick.. Guy grew 6 SIX inches this season. Once he gets used to that growth and bulks a bit might translate into a real good prospect. Good hockey pedigree .
Big center smooth skater. Plus we get a 2nd

I like.

[Caged Great]

This pick is amazing. Jankowski will be the first line Center we have been waiting for.

[GreenLantern2814]

This pick feels so clever it just has to work out. If he had been born 2 days later he would've been draft eligible next year. The flames saw his skillet and guessed he'd be a guy who'd be a higher rated player next year. Look at the as the flames stealing a top 10 pick a year in advance,

[killer_carlson]

This reminds me of when we. Picked Derek Morris

[Ozy_Flame]

Interesting pick, but last time we drafted that far off the board was one Mr. Kris Chucko. I'm on the fence about this one.

[flames_1987]

Highly skilled. High ceiling player. Fits the bill and kudos to them for being patient with a pick like this and thinking about the future. I know nothing about him, just like I know nothing about the rest of this draft. So I guess in 5-10 years we will see if it was a good one

[stignasty]

All I know for certain: Mark Jankowski will be the last player not named Iginla to wear a Calgary Flames jersey with #12 on it (at least until 2112).

[Freeway]

Good player, a project, but could've probably been had at 42.
And the Flames could've gotten another high-end talent.
But I DO LIKE JANKOWSKI.

[Mightyfire89]

Well, at least the Flames are consistent. They consistently make me scratch my head and go...huh???

What a black hole of ######edness this organization is most of the time.

We'll see five or so years from now if this was a good decision, but...I highly doubt it.

[flames_1987]

This reminds me of when we. Picked Derek Morris

And why is that?

[Calgary Highlander]

The Flames seemed sure of this pick, so I guess i'm okay with trusting their judgement. But I wish Feaster wouldn't spew crap like '10 years from now, he'll be known as the best from this draft."

It's the same as his 'playoff guarantee' or 'fool me once' speech. Just shut your pie hole and make your moves, will ya?

[Drake]

Calgary also has the option of sending him to Saginaw as they own his CHL rights if they don't want him going down the NCAA route.

He was also recently selected in the USHL draft by the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

[kirant]

Interesting pick, but last time we drafted that far off the board was one Mr. Kris Chucko. I'm on the fence about this one.
Picked off the board for a different reason IIRC.

Chucko I think was more of a lower risk/low reward. Jankowski is without a doubt all about the potential and being nearly a year younger than everyone.

[Boniman]

https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSdQG_ORrSveflG1Xn98O-aVS8qlxmg4PRER9HPg8z3x4xm4Ekp3g

[Shin Pad]

I don't know what to think right now. If could turn out to be a home run. I guess we'll see. Anyway, it was totally unexpected.

[Bertuzzied]

Yay no goalie!

[bluck]

Great read on him
http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/prospect+Mark+Jankowski+stock+rises/6480393/story.html

[Caged Great]

Jankowski is a player like Gaudreau was. Short, but very skilled and might have been a 6th or 7th round pick. Then he grew to 6'3". He's very skilled, speedy, and is now tall. He'll be our 1st line center within 2 years.

[flamesrule14]

I have a lot of faith in Weisbrod so I'm going to give this kid a chance. Risky pick and probably someone that is going to take a lot of time, but I think this can really pay off for us. Definetly rooting for the kid.

[photon]

http://i.imgur.com/poUUt.jpg

[kyuss275]

Jankowski is a player like Gaudreau was. Short, but very skilled and might have been a 6th or 7th round pick. Then he grew to 6'3". He's very skilled, speedy, and is now tall. He'll be our 1st line center within 2 years.

He will be nowhere near the NHL in 2 years. Start thinking 4 years.

[Lil Pedro]

Im embarrassed about this pick. We drafted a kid who basically played intramural high school hockey. It makes ZERO sense whatsoever. We had a great pick at 14 with Zemgus; a strong 2 way centre who had loads of talent. Yet we trade it away for the 21st and a second. The second round pick will probably be wasted on some plug stay at home dman that we normally pick anyway. God this team frustrates me. I honestly think the people on this site could draft better than the people who get paid thousands of dollars to do that job for this organization

[OzSome]

That's because TSN and Bob McKenzie ranked him in the 2nd round doesn't mean the Flames made the bad pick. I don't know much about this guy Jankowski and I will not pretend that I know more than the Flames scouting staff. Feaster is going to pick this guy in the 14th anyways so why not getting a 2nd rounder as well and still pick the same guy on the 21st. Last year I am sure people were questioning Feaster in picking Sven. So, let's not judge this kid until he suits up in the NHL.

[Scoutski]

Haha I wonder if he'll be asked to take this tweet down shortly...

http://i.imgur.com/Mri2i.png

[Dion]

In Weisbrod we trust. This was the player he said the Flames should pick.

[Caged Great]

He will be nowhere near the NHL in 2 years. Start thinking 4 years.

In the NHL within two years, developing into a top tier player after that. It's a home run pick.

[gonzo29]

I like the pick, having heard good things about Jankowski over the last few months. Youngest player in the draft, it's going to take some time but I just have a good feeling about him. Good luck to him.

[kirant]

Jankowski is a player like Gaudreau was. Short, but very skilled and might have been a 6th or 7th round pick. Then he grew to 6'3". He's very skilled, speedy, and is now tall. He'll be our 1st line center within 2 years.
If all works out, we'll be needing to find a RW to play with Baertschi and Jankowski. :D

[Lobotroth]

What was it Weisbrod said? Something like "don't trade the 1st round pick i found our guy".

Time will tell.

So I take it based on that quote that Jay was looking to trade away the Flames' first?

[icarus]

RLR's Kyle Woodlief had him going 15th overall in his mock draft calling him a shoot for the home run type of pick.

[Diemenz]

People on this board always comment they want calgary to take the high risk high reward type and now they have.

Personally I think Calgary is overloaded with bottom six players so drafting a player who is top 3 or bust makes sense to me. Why get another for sure moss when you can throw the dice and get a getzlaf.

[Red Ice Player]

I just want to say I admire the Flames' scouting approach. Sure this is a risky pick but damn I don't think we'e ever drafted a player like this. Mark looks like a nice piece of our rebuild, and could be our first line center ala Joe Thorton in five years.

[Calgary Highlander]

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303353_10150977324948704_1779731289_n.jpg

He looks like Dexter.

[Yakbutter]

He will be nowhere near the NHL in 2 years. Start thinking 4 years.

You probably never even heard this kids name before today. Your crystal ball says 4 years? Thanks for letting us know.

[Phanuthier]

Picked off the board for a different reason IIRC.

Chucko I think was more of a lower risk/low reward. Jankowski is without a doubt all about the potential and being nearly a year younger than everyone.
i thought he was high risk/high reward... BCHL but some people were saying he could be Iginla. skating and everything

anyways back to Dexter...

[flamesaresmokin]

Jankowski is a player like Gaudreau was. Short, but very skilled and might have been a 6th or 7th round pick. Then he grew to 6'3". He's very skilled, speedy, and is now tall. He'll be our 1st line center within 2 years.

You're dreaming.

Keep in mind this kid is also playing against lackluster competition. I don't mind going off the board but this doesn't even make sense. Why not trade for a much later pick and then take him? The flames let a lot of very good players slide by.

[Phanuthier]

Feaster did say they were gonna pick a guy who they think could be one of the top 5 players in the draft......

[Esoteric]

This is actually an excellent pick. It's not an immediate payoff but it will reap rewards in the long run.

[Manhattanboy]

Why does it always seem the Flames know things no one else does?

[JayP]

Jankowski is a player like Gaudreau was. Short, but very skilled and might have been a 6th or 7th round pick. Then he grew to 6'3". He's very skilled, speedy, and is now tall. He'll be our 1st line center within 2 years.

He's going to go from playing intramural hockey to being an NHL 1st line centre in two seasons?

Even Feaster isn't spewing this.

[jschick88]

From thespec.com

Something to Prove

Today, he’s 6-foot-3 and just finished his second season at the school where he dominated his league and suddenly caught the eye of scouts all over the NHL. By the start of this past year, he’d landed on NHL Central Scouting’s Watch List, which was the first time he actually began to believe his dream might have a chance of coming true.

Now, he’s being compared to Jason Spezza, Joe Nieuwendyk and John LeClair among others. He got a scholarship to Providence for next year and even finally got chosen by an OHL team a couple months ago.

http://www.thespec.com/sports/local/article/746985--grown-into-his-dream-he-has-something-to-prove

[mikeecho]

Does anyone here even know what intramural hockey is?

[fatso]

You know the draft doesn't play out the way TSN predicts right?

Jesus, people are stupid.

Why don't you take a break for a little while? I find myself usually agreeing with your views on things, including today, but you're contributing nothing other than snide remarks. It doesn't look good on you.

On topic - crazy pick. I'm not well informed enough on prospects to have a strong view, but it seemed there were a number of NHL ready/close prospects available at 14 that could have an immediate impact. It's a bit frustrating to see a project chosen, given the organizational commitment to maintain the core. Lots could change before the season starts, but it's looking to be par for the course for now.

[Caged Great]

He's going to go from playing intramural hockey to being an NHL 1st line centre in two seasons?

Even Feaster isn't spewing this.

I meant NHL player within 2 years, and developing quickly into a top player. I'm as excited with this pick as I was with Baertschi last year, and I think Jankowski will be as good.

[flamesaresmokin]

You probably never even heard this kids name before today. Your crystal ball says 4 years? Thanks for letting us know.

You don't jump from a canadian high school nobody to the nhl in two years. Unless somehow this kid is a phenom that absolutely no one knew about until this season anyway. Its a pretty fair assessment.

[BintonB]

• Needs to improve his face-off skills

Just what we need

[GirlySports]

Good player, a project, but could've probably been had at 42.
And the Flames could've gotten another high-end talent.
But I DO LIKE JANKOWSKI.

Can't risk it. It just takes one other team to like him and poof! He's done.

[kyuss275]

You probably never even heard this kids name before today. Your crystal ball says 4 years? Thanks for letting us know.


Yes i have. posters have mentioned him before and i looked him up. Hell even Feaster said he is way down the road. I was making a reply to "caged great" who said "1st line center in 2 years".

[SeoulFire]

From thespec.com

Something to Prove

Today, he’s 6-foot-3 and just finished his second season at the school where he dominated his league and suddenly caught the eye of scouts all over the NHL. By the start of this past year, he’d landed on NHL Central Scouting’s Watch List, which was the first time he actually began to believe his dream might have a chance of coming true.

Now, he’s being compared to Jason Spezza, Joe Nieuwendyk and John LeClair among others. He got a scholarship to Providence for next year and even finally got chosen by an OHL team a couple months ago.

http://www.thespec.com/sports/local/article/746985--grown-into-his-dream-he-has-something-to-prove

From that article:

He had hockey sense, though. If you believe that some athletes have sports in their DNA, you’d have to believe he was blessed. His dad was a star at Cornell University. His grandfather carved out an 18-year pro-hockey career including stops with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks in the ’50s and ’60s. His great uncle is Maple Leafs legend Red Kelly.

[Hockey_Ninja]

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303353_10150977324948704_1779731289_n.jpg

He looks like Dexter.http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000WF0yKMqRwS8/s/600/600/120316-19013989.jpg

Man the flames sure do pick some guys who look like junior high kids

[JiriHrdina]

Reminds me of when the rangers picked Kreider, another guy with lots of raw ability playing in an inferior league

[JayP]

What was it Weisbrod said? Something like "don't trade the 1st round pick i found our guy".

Time will tell.

I really hate statements like these.

When your assistant GM is making the call on who they're drafting after one viewing it's not a good thing. Pretty much a slap in the face to all the scouts who watch hundreds of games all year. You can't accurately scout a guy in that short a time period. I'm sure the Flames did their due diligence afterwards, but when the assistant GM is making statements like that it's going to be pretty tough to override that first impression.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Why don't you take a break for a little while? I find myself usually agreeing with your views on things, including today, but you're contributing nothing other than snide remarks. It doesn't look good on you..

I'm good, lol. Watching so many people become experts in the last 48 hours is hilarious.

[Hemi-Cuda]

a pick way off the board that's going to be a project, great. because those have always worked in Calgary's favor in the past

[Manhattanboy]

On topic - crazy pick. I'm not well informed enough on prospects to have a strong view, but it seemed there were a number of NHL ready/close prospects available at 14 that could have an immediate impact. It's a bit frustrating to see a project chosen, given the organizational commitment to maintain the core. Lots could change before the season starts, but it's looking to be par for the course for now.


This.
We need immediate help. Isn't this the kind of pick a top 5 team gambles on?

[Stay Golden]

Iggy will finally get his center when he is 38 :blink:

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/mark_jankowski/

[JurassicTunga12]

Baertschi - Jankowski - Gaudreau

in 3 years or so lol

[flames_1987]

Im embarrassed about this pick. We drafted a kid who basically played intramural high school hockey. It makes ZERO sense whatsoever. We had a great pick at 14 with Zemgus; a strong 2 way centre who had loads of talent. Yet we trade it away for the 21st and a second. The second round pick will probably be wasted on some plug stay at home dman that we normally pick anyway. God this team frustrates me. I honestly think the people on this site could draft better than the people who get paid thousands of dollars to do that job for this organization

This is classic. I'm pretty sure nobody is complaining about our 2011 Draft class right now, and lord knows there was a lot back then. Stop trying to pretend you're an expert on this at all and you know anything about the player drafted.

[HPLovecraft]

So he's never even played major junior hockey? He plays high school hockey? Is that right?

[Svensational]

I was honestly hoping for Faksa.. but this is an interesting pick and he seems like a kid with loads of potential. (Oh and who hasn't shot off a mouthy tweet or text before.. haha)

[topfiverecords]

Man the flames sure do pick some guys who look like junior high kids

They all start somewhere.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/260/446/iginla_draft_display_image.jpg?1276886238

[Barnes]

I'm good, lol. Watching so many people become experts in the last 48 hours is hilarious.

I have three words for you sir:

Keep it up.

[kyuss275]

I really hate statements like these.

When your assistant GM is making the call on who they're drafting after one viewing it's not a good thing. Pretty much a slap in the face to all the scouts who watch hundreds of games all year. You can't accurately scout a guy in that short a time period. I'm sure the Flames did their due diligence afterwards, but when the assistant GM is making statements like that it's going to be pretty tough to override that first impression.


Button sent Weisbrod down to check the kid out. Button had already seen him.

[saskflames69]

So he's never even played major junior hockey? He plays high school hockey? Is that right?He's going the NCAA route.

[icarus]

Reminds me of another Weisbrod pick when he was with Boston, completely off the board at the time: Patrice Bergeron.

[Hustle]

Jim Montgomery, Dubuque's Head Coach called him a 6'3 version of Johnny Gaudreau when they drafted him in the USHL draft.

[mrdonkey]

Seems like everyone on HF and Twitter hates this move and is laughing at the Flames. As usual.

[RT14]

It's actually unbelievable you know that.I don't "know" it, that's why I said "probably". I just think you have to take that risk there. Take a guy like Teuvo and hope Jankowski is still there or even trade up a few spots from their 2nd to get him. Just my opinion, sorry for sharing.

[Manhattanboy]

We are the Calgary Flames. We don't need to draft from major junior in the first round.

[logan_izer10]

The best part of this pick is that we won't have to worry about him taking elbows to the head

[kirant]

Seems like everyone on HF and Twitter hates this move and is laughing at the Flames. As usual.
I think the only pick ever liked online was Baertschi...and it was more of a "well, they needed to pick him" feel.

[JayP]

People on this board always comment they want calgary to take the high risk high reward type and now they have.

Personally I think Calgary is overloaded with bottom six players so drafting a player who is top 3 or bust makes sense to me. Why get another for sure moss when you can throw the dice and get a getzlaf.

I just think it's foolish when Teravainan is essentially that high upside guy and is a lot more proven. If the draft went as planned and there wasn't that huge run of d-men and Calgary was sitting at #14 with a pile of good, not great defensemen I'd like this pick a lot more.

[Swayze11]

NHL Comparsion: Jason Spezza.

Sign me up!

[flamesaresmokin]

So he's never even played major junior hockey? He plays high school hockey? Is that right?

That's what's mind boggling about using a first round pick on the kid......

I guess so long as he has that winning attitude nothing else matters.

[Parallex]

I don't hate this pick... I think Feaster could have traded down one more time and still gotten him but the talent is there. It's a big gamble since he hasn't been tested but the Star potential is there. I wonder if he'll go NCAA or if he tries out Major Junior... any one know who has his junior rights?

[Hammertime]

I really hate statements like these.

When your assistant GM is making the call on who they're drafting after one viewing it's not a good thing. Pretty much a slap in the face to all the scouts who watch hundreds of games all year. You can't accurately scout a guy in that short a time period. I'm sure the Flames did their due diligence afterwards, but when the assistant GM is making statements like that it's going to be pretty tough to override that first impression.

It also feels abit like Feaster is dumping some of the accountability on Weisbrod in case the pick doesn't pan out. I'm sure that's not what he's thinking today, right now.. but if Jankowski is a bust, the fanbase is going to pin it on the Assistant GM.

[toquester]

The off the board pick he reminds me of is Nieuwendyk.

[Faust]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=635275

By the time a player reaches the stage where he has a legitimate shot of being a first-round pick in the NHL Draft, many hockey fans are already familiar with his name.


That's not necessarily the case for Mark Jankowski (http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=10296) -- but he's determined his relative obscurity doesn't last very long.


Jankowski spent the past two seasons playing forward for Stanstead College, a prep school in Quebec's Eastern Townships that has produced a number of NCAA Division 1 players over the past several years, but never someone who was this prominent on the NHL radar.


"Everyone says if you're good enough, you'll get noticed," Jankowski told NHL.com. "I always thought I was good enough and eventually I'd get noticed."

[Freeway]

Jankowski will play either at Providence College or with Saginaw in the OHL.

Or in the USHL, as Feaster suggested on TSN.

[Caged Great]

Jim Montgomery, Dubuque's Head Coach called him a 6'3 version of Johnny Gaudreau when they drafted him in the USHL draft.

That's why I'm so pleased we got him. He is basically Gaudreau, which is a pick that everyone likes, with the difference that he's 6'3" intead.

Gaudreau looks like he could develop into a quality player, and now we have a guy that's basically the same without the size problem. He'll be a great player.

[sureLoss]

He's going the NCAA route.

Feaster says CHL is still an option. Saginaw Spirit hold his rights.

[kukkudo]

I will take Weisbrods Decision over anyone on this board. The Flames know what this player is capable of doing

[Captain_Obvious]

I just think it's foolish when Teravainan is essentially that high upside guy and is a lot more proven..

Well it shouldn't have come as a surprise. If that was their guy they would have taken him at 14. When they didn't, it was pretty clear they had another player in mind.

[Manhattanboy]

The OHL, WHL and the Q are not good enough for the Calgary Flames.

[Diemenz]

People hear Feaster says let's win now.
People complain.
People want a rebuild.
Calgary drafts a player who will come in right when the older players contracts expire and the rebuild can start.
People complain.
All of a sudden people want to win now.

I'm beginning to think some people just like to complain no matter what happens.

[saskflames69]

Seems like everyone on HF and Twitter hates this move and is laughing at the Flames. As usual.

They laughed at us on draft day..
http://themphl.stats.pointstreak.com/photos/p5525645.jpg
..now all they can do is bury their playoff hopes and dreams.

[Lt.Spears]

You probably never even heard this kids name before today. Your crystal ball says 4 years? Thanks for letting us know.

Just like you, but the collective CP braintrust will now claim him the steal of the draft and an excellent choice.

[JayP]

Reminds me of another Weisbrod pick when he was with Boston, completely off the board at the time: Patrice Bergeron.

LMAO. Weisbrod wasn't even the GM of the Magic yet when Bergeron was drafted.

The amount of credit that guy gets for no results (yet hopefully) is ridiculous.

[flames_1987]

The Flames are in a position where if you're not picking top 5, I say you go for the high ceiling, high risk/ high reward guy. People on here complained about the Flames needing top end talent, it seems pretty unanimous among the people who actually watch these young players for a living, that this kid has an incredibly high ceiling.

[kyuss275]

Feaster says CHL is still an option. Saginaw Spirit hold his rights.


Really hope they convince him to go CHL route.

[Caged Great]

Just like you, but the collective CP braintrust will now claim him the steal of the draft and an excellent choice.

I've been hoping the Flames would take him for months

[flamesaresmokin]

NHL Comparsion: Jason Spezza.

Sign me up!

The big difference was spezza was tearing up major junior when he was drafted not a third rate high school league.

[sureLoss]

http://i.imgur.com/TdWEE.jpg

[mikephoen]

I really hate statements like these.

When your assistant GM is making the call on who they're drafting after one viewing it's not a good thing. Pretty much a slap in the face to all the scouts who watch hundreds of games all year. You can't accurately scout a guy in that short a time period. I'm sure the Flames did their due diligence afterwards, but when the assistant GM is making statements like that it's going to be pretty tough to override that first impression.

If you listened to the interview, Weisbrod was sent to check him out because Button and the other scouts were already excited about him.

[MrMastodonFarm]

The big difference was spezza was tearing up major junior when he was drafted not a third rate high school league.

Jankowski was two days away from being eligible for for next years draft, that's how old he is.

[saskflames69]

LMAO. Weisbrod wasn't even the GM of the Magic yet when Bergeron was drafted.

The amount of credit that guy gets for no results (yet hopefully) is ridiculous.
Wow, Weisbrod manages a basketball team too? Is there anything this guy can't do?

[Hockey_Ninja]

The OHL is a softer league than the NCAA. He could light it up their me thinks but the NCAA could be good for him to play against tougher competition.

[flames_1987]

Just like you, but the collective CP braintrust will now claim him the steal of the draft and an excellent choice.

No, people will just say it could be a great pick or it could not be. The fact is, nobody on here knows hardly anything about this kid or the rest of the draft class. The people taking the radical opinions on this move are the ones denouncing it.

[Captain_Obvious]

Just like you, but the collective CP braintrust will now claim him the steal of the draft and an excellent choice.

What a bunch of sheep huh? Especially when they could be like you and moan and complain about things they know nothing about like a broken record.

You are so edgy.

[oldschoolcalgary]

This is classic. I'm pretty sure nobody is complaining about our 2011 Draft class right now, and lord knows there was a lot back then. Stop trying to pretend you're an expert on this at all and you know anything about the player drafted.

not <m>any canadian high schoolers have been drafted, let alone make it to the NHL.

btw, Baertschi was very much like Tuevo. Highly ranked, but slipped a bit. People were very happy with that pick last year.

[SeoulFire]

The Flames are in a position where if you're not picking top 5, I say you go for the high ceiling, high risk/ high reward guy. People on here complained about the Flames needing top end talent, it seems pretty unanimous among the people who actually watch these young players for a living, that this kid has an incredibly high ceiling.

Perhaps this kid is a top five pick - if he were a few days younger. Next year will be really interesting to see how he does. It could well be that we got a top 5 (ie 2013 draft) at 21.

I love the risk/reward aspect.

[Freeway]

You don't send John Weisbrod anywhere in a snow storm unless you've already checked him out yourselves.

[bluck]

From Roto
The Calgary Flames arguably made the first truly "off the board" selection by grabbing Mark Jankowski with the 21st pick.
Jankowski has some hockey roots, but it didn't help him draw a ton of attention - at least from a first-round perspective. He's six-foot-two but just 170 lbs. so he'll probably take quite a while to make it to the NHL level. One thing he does have is scoring instincts, however, particularly when it comes to passing. Time will tell if Flames GM Jay Feaster ends up looking shrewd or silly by making this pick. Jun. 22 - 9:55 pm et

[kipperfan]

I really hate statements like these.

When your assistant GM is making the call on who they're drafting after one viewing it's not a good thing. Pretty much a slap in the face to all the scouts who watch hundreds of games all year. You can't accurately scout a guy in that short a time period. I'm sure the Flames did their due diligence afterwards, but when the assistant GM is making statements like that it's going to be pretty tough to override that first impression.

I don't think that's how it went down at all. Much more likely Button and his scouts did their due diligence on Jankowski and then called out the AGM to take a peak. Either way I like the pick, we need high risk/high reward types IMO.

The really interesting thing I'd like to know more about (and really wish Miller had asked about when he had the chance) is the potential trading of the 1st round pick. The way Feaster phrased his conversation with Weisbrod it sounded like trading the pick was basically in the bag until Weisbrod viewed Jankowski. Would love to know who and/or what Feaster had planned to trade it for.

[JiriHrdina]

That's what's mind boggling about using a first round pick on the kid......

I guess so long as he has that winning attitude nothing else matters.

More teams are drafting from other leagues. I like it as it shows they are being very complete in their scouting

[Dorkmaster]

I love this pick. When we traded out of 14, I was pretty disappointed, but this is a very interesting pick. High upside, center, biggest asset is hockey sense and young. I wouldn't be too worried about his level of competition, he's got time to develop.

[JayP]

People hear Feaster says let's win now.
People complain.
People want a rebuild.
Calgary drafts a player who will come in right when the older players contracts expire and the rebuild can start.
People complain.
All of a sudden people want to win now.

I'm beginning to think some people just like to complain no matter what happens.

You explained exactly why people are complaining.

We say we're going for it now and then draft a major project that's not going to be an impact NHLer for likely 5-6 years if he pans. The key being impact player - he could be in the show in 3-4, but not contributing in a big way until 5-6. We need these draft picks to pan out while Iggy/Kipper are still here if we plan on riding them out - otherwise we aren't competing for anything.

There were quality players that slipped to 14 that were a lot more NHL ready and fit in a lot more with the direction this team is going. This would be a great pick if we were rebuilding. But, unfortunately, we aren't heading in that direction.

[flamesaresmokin]

Jankowski was two days away from being eligible for for next years draft, that's how old he is.


And this somehow validates taking an enormous risk on a first round pick? We're hardly in a position to be passing up high probability players in the first round at this point.

If he is actually so good that he'll be "the player of the draft" in a few years why did so many teams pass him up as well and why was he so far off the board?

[MrMastodonFarm]

And this somehow validates taking an enormous risk on a first round pick? We're hardly in a position to be passing up high probability players in the first round at this point.

If he is actually so good that he'll be "the player of the draft" in a few years why did so many teams pass him up as well and

So you wanted to go the safer route?

Okay, interesting. For some reason if we took a crash and bang winger with our pick a guy like you would have exploded.
why was he so far off the board?
There is no such thing as "the board".

[sureLoss]

http://i.imgur.com/uY67q.jpg

Kid looks excited

[MrMastodonFarm]

Instagram?
The Flames are so kewl!

[Dion]

"I was always a smart player growing up because I was smaller than I am now, so I had to be smart," Jankowski said. "Now, since my growth spurt, I've still maintained those smarts and I really like to use that on the ice -- my hockey sense and my vision. That all started when I was smaller. But now, after my growth spurt, I've benefited from the natural strength that comes with that and being able to use my body to protect the puck."

Jankowski began to open some eyes at a summer showcase event in Boston in July 2011, playing on a team with players three or four years older than him, yet still standing out.


"Come January, I don't think we had a single game where we didn't have about 25 NHL scouts in the stands," Rioux said. "It was certainly not something we'd ever experienced before."

What those scouts saw was a center with a strong skating stride and extraordinary vision that was still learning to play in his new, drastically bigger body.

"His skating, for one thing, is effortless, and he's got that top-end speed, but it's his hockey sense, his vision and his patience. His teammates just have to get there and the puck will be on their stick. He's that kind of playmaker. I think he's shown the teams what they needed to see, so I don't think there will be any hesitation [at the draft]."

"I've been working out a lot," said Jankowski, who has committed to Providence College but likely will play next season for Dubuque of the United States Hockey League. "But I'm a bit of a late developer, so I'm still working on the strength. There's room for improvement."

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=635275

[Kipperking]

I would have preferred Teuvo/Maatta/Ceci sooo much more.

[flamesaresmokin]

More teams are drafting from other leagues. I like it as it shows they are being very complete in their scouting

I don't see many teams going to 41st overall in the first round unless their name is the Detroit red wings. Go to other leagues, but don't do it when numerous quality players are already available. and certainly not in the middle of the first round.

[kipperfan]

And this somehow validates taking an enormous risk on a first round pick? We're hardly in a position to be passing up high probability players in the first round at this point.

If he is actually so good that he'll be "the player of the draft" in a few years why did so many teams pass him up as well and why was he so far off the board?

D.Sutter drafted "high probability players", how did that work out?

I say we need high risk/high reward picks, and think having a guy like Weisbrod steering the ship when it comes to the draft we could see huge benefits of this strategy in 2-3-4 years.

[killer_carlson]

Sureloss, help me out, do you work for the flames? How are you getting the photos?

[Svensational]

Well atleast he's cute, lulz.

[oldschoolcalgary]

I would have preferred Teuvo/Maatta/Ceci sooo much more.

agreed.

But what's done is done....what I want to see is how his skill translates against better competition. It's one thing to be a great practice player, its quite another to do the same in the CHL or US college.

[Tilley]

From Future Considerations:

No. 44
MARK JANKOWSKI
POSITION: Centre
CATCHES: Left
TEAM: Stanstead College (Mid-West Prep.)
BORN: September 13, 1994
VITALS: 6’-2” / 170 Lbs
STATS: 57 GP 53 G 40 A 93 PTS 34 PIM

SCOUTING REPORT:
A smooth skating, athletic two-way centre. He has outstanding speed, quick agility and a fluid overall stride. He can add some strength to his legs and improve his skating even more to make it a real weapon. He has dynamic hands that allow him to dangle the puck around defenders on route to the net. He has very impressive vision of the entire ice surface, very impressive passing ability and smarts
as he was a step or two ahead of everyone else reading the play at the prep level. His wrist shot is both hard and accurate; his goal scoring instincts are evident. He is willing to drive the puck to the net with a blend of his puck skills and power game. His anticipation is elite and he always seems to know where to be in each situation. He is a strong and tenacious penalty killer. He shows good leadership and work ethic both on and off the ice. He is strong in the faceoff circle at this level of competition, but can
improve with better coaching. He is a very raw and untested, but naturally talented prospect. He has loads of room to grow and add mass to his thin frame as he heads to Providence College next fall.
NHL POTENTIAL:Top six offensive centre.


Some people bitch about not having a number 1 centre, the Flames potentially draft one and the same people continue to bitch. The ignorance of some on CP astounds me.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Sureloss, help me out, do you work for the flames? How are you getting the photos?

https://twitter.com/NHLFlames

[the_professsor]

Super disappointed we didn't take girgensons at 14, or matta at 21, but gotta give feaster n co the benefit of the doubt, as they clearly know much more than this guy

[Rerun]

Mark my words...

This kid is going to score 600 goals and 1300 pts in his career.


No seriously, I think this kid has tremendous upside. He's only 17 years old and already he's 6'2" and 175 lbs., he can put the puck in the net, and he apparently is also a great passer.

He is the #1 center that the Flames have been looking for. Unfortunately they'll have to wait 3 or 4 years before he'll probably be ready to play for the Flames (not of course as the #1 center... but it'll happen... I hope).

I'd rather draft him than play it safe by going with one of the potential 2nd or 3rd line players that are still available. For too long the team has played it safe... thats why we've got a team of plumbers and one legitimate first line prospect in the system... and who drafted him by the way? Thats right Jay Feaster.

Two thumbs up Jay!

[Joborule]

This guy is gonna have a lot of overhyping. Hope he'll live up to it.

[Ashasx]

Is there any chance that he goes to the CHL next season?

[Matty81]

I like the pick but boy is it every risky. Unlike the other draftees he still has to make the jump to the CHL/NCAA, basically like drafting a midget or bantam player. Also stings a litttle that he's probably 3-5 years away.

That said a big fast centre with offensive upside has been such a huge need for so long I am very happy to see the club finally attempt to address it.

[Dion]

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Flames+board+select+lanky+Quebec+high+schooler/6828194/6828195.bin?size=620x400s

[Kipperking]

If he becomes our #1 center in 5 years i'll eat something really gross, like a snail.

[kipperfan]

The only thing I dislike is Jankowski seemingly going the college route. I hope the Flames talk to Jankowski and convince him to play in the CHL, and if not there the USHL.

[Stay Golden]

I still can't believe the Flames didn't steal Maatta.

[JiriHrdina]

I don't see many teams going to 41st overall in the first round unless their name is the Detroit red wings. Go to other leagues, but don't do it when numerous quality players are already available. and certainly not in the middle of the first round.

Who cares where he was ranked going in, it doesn't matter. And plenty of players from non traditional leagues are going higher.

[flames_1987]

This guy is gonna have a lot of overhyping. Hope he'll live up to it.

Any 1st round pick in any Canadian market will. Luckily he has so much time to develop and mature.

[dino7c]

nobody knows either way

[Dion]

The only thing I dislike is Jankowski seemingly going the college route. I hope the Flames talk to Jankowski and convince him to play in the CHL, and if not there the USHL.

He said he is going to play for Dubuque in the USHL.

[oldschoolcalgary]

From Future Considerations:


Some people bitch about not having a number 1 centre, the Flames potentially draft one and the same people continue to bitch. The ignorance of some on CP astounds me.
[/LEFT]

people complain because the pick was so much of a reach, and there was potentially a #1 center sitting at 14 in Tuevo.

you post scouting reports as a justification of Jankowski selection, but ignore the fact that Tuevo was projected as the 7th pick and projected as a #1 center?

that doesn't make a lot of sense either.

[Lobotroth]

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Flames+board+select+lanky+Quebec+high+schooler/6828194/6828195.bin?size=620x400s

There's a sparkle in his eyes... he's gonna be good. Hopefully.

[Lt.Spears]

What a bunch of sheep huh? Especially when they could be like you and moan and complain about things they know nothing about like a broken record.

You are so edgy.

Honestly, its not surprising, Jankowski might be a good prospect, but he is likely 2-3 years away from being a full time NHL player.

This doesnt really help the Flames now, and what happens in 2-3 years? Who comes in over the next 2-3 years while all of these guys are developing?

Im afraid Its going to be a dark time for Flames fans.

[Ashasx]

Is Aaron Vickers here to give any input?

[MrMastodonFarm]

Honestly, its not surprising, Jankowski might be a good prospect, but he is likely 2-3 years away from being a full time NHL player.

This doesnt really help the Flames now, and what happens in 2-3 years? Who comes in over the next 2-3 years while all of these guys are developing?

Im afraid Its going to be a dark time for Flames fans.

I don't know if you realize how the draft works outside the top 1-3 picks.

[Dorkmaster]

Honestly, its not surprising, Jankowski might be a good prospect, but he is likely 2-3 years away from being a full time NHL player.

This doesnt really help the Flames now, and what happens in 2-3 years? Who comes in over the next 2-3 years while all of these guys are developing?

Im afraid Its going to be a dark time for Flames fans.

Isn't the draft about getting the best player not the best player in the next 2-3 years?

[kipperfan]

He said he is going to play in the USHL.

ORLY? I thought I heard the mention of him going to college, but am glad to hear this. Would prefer CHL but am glad we won't have another guy in the US college system, though it does have some advantages I suppose.

[flamesaresmokin]

So you wanted to go the safer route?

Okay, interesting. For some reason if we took a crash and bang winger with our pick a guy like you would have exploded.

There is no such thing as "the board".


How about the numerous well rounded major junior or european league players that were still available. Finn, teravainen, ceci, maatta...to name a few crash and bang wingers to a T.

If this is your only rational defense of this pick i think you need to reconsider the Flames current situation. We're apparently not rebuilding but we're going for a massive project pick? I have no problem picking a guy like him but not in the first round and not when we are in dire need of nhl talent in our system.

Dismiss "the board" all you want, I guess everyone in hockey that refers to "the board" is wrong and Mr mastodon is right.

[flames_1987]

My question is, how did the big bad Flames ownership allow this pick to take place? This doesn't fit the narrative at all!

[Matty81]

He said he is going to play for Dubuque in the USHL.

Had heard Providence was still his main choice as of yesterday - when did he say Dubuque?

I think the OHL would probably do the most for him but given how light he is I think he might get pretty beat up. NCAA would probably be the safest development route IMO, will be interesting to see where he goes.

[Captain_Obvious]

Honestly, its not surprising, Jankowski might be a good prospect, but he is likely 2-3 years away from being a full time NHL player.

This doesnt really help the Flames now, and what happens in 2-3 years? Who comes in over the next 2-3 years while all of these guys are developing?

Im afraid Its going to be a dark time for Flames fans.

Who's to say there was anything that would have helped us now? You?

The only thing dark around here is every time you post. Just nothing but incessant complaining and in this case, it's about something you clearly know nothing about.

As it's obvious the team has disappointed you up to and including now, why not take a hike and find something more constructive to do with your time? Because reading your constant ill informed complaining couldn't be more tiresome.

[flamesaresmokin]

Who cares where he was ranked going in, it doesn't matter. And plenty of players from non traditional leagues are going higher.

Not players in canadian high school leagues. Continue to spin though.

[Rerun]

Isn't the draft about getting the best player not the best player in the next 2-3 years?

I think thats the rule that D Sutter used... unfortunately.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Actually I don't know if I'm right, I have no idea. I am overall pretty ignorant about all this.

That's a good thing, I'm not pretending to be an expert like most of the dummies going crazy in the past hour.

[Dion]

ORLY? I thought I heard the mention of him going to college, but am glad to hear this. Would prefer CHL but am glad we won't have another guy in the US college system, though it does have some advantages I suppose.

"I've been working out a lot," said Jankowski, who has committed to Providence College but likely will play next season for Dubuque of the United States Hockey League

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=635275

[Resolute 14]

I can't say I am surprised at the names of the people crying the loudest about this pick. And something tells me that they are crying so much because they never heard of the kid, therefore he must be a terrible pick. Personally, I think anyone rushing to judge this pick today is a fool.

I never heard of the kid either, but putting aside the CSB ranking, I look at what the scouts are saying, and I am very much intrigued. There seems to be a lot of talent here, and a kid who really only grew into himself this year. That's all I know, and that's all any of you know. Now lets see what the next couple years of development brings.

[flames_1987]

How about the numerous well rounded major junior or european league players that were still available. Finn, teravainen, ceci, maatta...to name a few crash and bang wingers to a T.

If this is your only rational defense of this pick i think you need to reconsider the Flames current situation. We're apparently not rebuilding but we're going for a massive project pick?

Dismiss "the board" all you want, I guess everyone in hockey that refers to "the board" is wrong and Mr mastodon is right.

We are not doing a full rebuild, so we are unable to still draft intelligently and still consider the teams future?

[Buff]

The pre-draft ranking is just something for us fans to read about. It truly means nothing next to the actual draft order, which also doesn't mean too much next to career accomplishments. To be upset at who your team picked or didn't pick on the day of the draft is pretty silly. If he hasn't played a game 10 years from now then by all means, be upset, but then why are you lamenting on something from 10 years ago? The same reason why you're complaining about today's pick. You're petty.

[Svensational]

Isn't the draft about getting the best player not the best player in the next 2-3 years?

He used the term best player from this draft in 10 years time.. pretty high praise, they see something they absolutely love. If they have that much conviction.. I think we may have got a gem. I'm gonna play the positive card and hope they're right.

The new way of looking at prospects is something they've put a whole lotta effort into.. I'm optimistic!

[edslunch]

Jankowski is a player like Gaudreau was. Short, but very skilled and might have been a 6th or 7th round pick. Then he grew to 6'3". He's very skilled, speedy, and is now tall. He'll be our 1st line center within 2 years.

If anyone else had said this......

[dammage79]

So Jankowski ends up being the steal of the draft, three years later. Is a legitimate superstar and has a long extremely successful career. Isnt that what the draft is all about? I honestly believe Jankowski's value will start to show next draft. He was born two days before the cut off. I look at it as the Flames may have just made the first overall pick of the 2013 draft today. I have never heard of him but I will most certainly not bash the Flames for making the choice. Its far too early.

[sureLoss]

Jankowski tells NHL radio that his high school graduation is tomorrow.

[Tilley]

people complain because the pick was so much of a reach, and there was potentially a #1 center sitting at 14 in Tuevo.

you post scouting reports as a justification of Jankowski selection, but ignore the fact that Tuevo was projected as the 7th pick and projected as a #1 center?

that doesn't make a lot of sense either.


The people that are claiming it as a huge reach react that way because Bobby Mac says so or because they haven't heard of him. People who have been following prospects closely for the last six months are claiming he has the potential to be a number 1 center. Teuvo is more likely to play RW rather than center btw.

The point is that any over reaction - positive or negative is unfounded. Like every pick tonight time will ultimately tell if it was a good one. I feel a lot better about this pick than the Chucko or Pelech pick however.

[Lt.Spears]

Who's to say there was anything that would have helped us now? You?

The only thing dark around here is every time you post. Just nothing but incessant complaining and in this case, it's about something you clearly know nothing about.

As it's obvious the team has disappointed you up to and including now, why not take a hike and find something more constructive to do with your time? Because reading your constant ill informed complaining couldn't be more tiresome.

Im sorry, but what do you know that clearly puts your opinion ahead of mine?

You can argue that my opinion can be false, but stating yours is the correct opinion is just asinine.

And im here because i truly love the Flames, i dont like what they are doing, but i am a passionate fan and CP is the best place to talk about where the team is heading and what they are doing.

I Dont believe Jankowski is going to be the #1 Center that some people are going to peg him as. I dont believe he is going to be an impact player. At this point i would have been 100X happier had they drafted TT which is who i wanted months ago.

[kipperfan]

Not players in canadian high school leagues. Continue to spin though.

Button (and probably Button's underlings), Weisbrod and Feaster all saw something so special in this kid he was basically #1 on their list going into this draft. Given how well the last couple of drafts (especially the last one) appear to have gone I am going to take that as a freakin great sign! This isn't some kid they settled on after taking the 21st pick, they wanted him before the draft started and I think that says alot.

[Dion]

Honestly, its not surprising, Jankowski might be a good prospect, but he is likely 2-3 years away from being a full time NHL player.

This doesnt really help the Flames now, and what happens in 2-3 years? Who comes in over the next 2-3 years while all of these guys are developing?

Im afraid Its going to be a dark time for Flames fans.

http://static.fjcdn.com/gifs/New%2BExciting%2Blife.%2Bwait%2Bfor%2Bit_c77768_35 02715.gif

[Ashasx]

Man I really wish he would go to the CHL. I'd love to be able to watch him a bit like we were able with Sven. I love that hype.

[MrMastodonFarm]

I Dont believe Jankowski is going to be the #1 Center that some people are going to peg him as. I dont believe he is going to be an impact player. At this point i would have been 100X happier had they drafted TT which is who i wanted months ago.

Have you seen either of these players play, for one minute?

[tkflames]

Remember last year when everyone cried about us drafting midgets (especially with our 1st round pick)?

This is definitely an interesting pick. Let's let time judge him.

[PeteLFan]

The people upset at the pick, how many of you scouted him?

The trams feels strongly about him. We have needed a #1 centre this could be it. Looks good too me.

[OutOfTheCube]

From a purely fan perspective it's hard to like the pick, it's a player no one has heard of. But we aren't scouts or management.

From a Flames fan perspective, I'd be disappointed that they passed on (seemingly) better picks at the #14 spot. Though we won't know for sure for a number of years, it's only natural for a large number of the fanbase to be disappointed at this time.

[Flashpoint]

Finally. A risky pick by Calgary. For a big talented #1 Center who went late because other teams didn't do their homework outside the CHL.

I've been waiting 30 years for us to draft another Nieuwendyk.

It's about F-ing time.

[Manhattanboy]

How many times in the first round has an NHL GM stood up athe podium and said "From xyz High School, .... are proud to select..."???!!!

[JayP]

I can't say I am surprised at the names of the people crying the loudest about this pick. And something tells me that they are crying so much because they never heard of the kid, therefore he must be a terrible pick. Personally, I think anyone rushing to judge this pick today is a fool.

And yet you isolate only the people who dislike the pick and don't take pot shots at the people that like it. You don't play the voice of reason very well (or your buddy MastadonFarm too for that matter).

[flames_1987]

Im sorry, but what do you know that clearly puts your opinion ahead of mine?

You can argue that my opinion can be false, but stating yours is the correct opinion is just asinine.

And im here because i truly love the Flames, i dont like what they are doing, but i am a passionate fan and CP is the best place to talk about where the team is heading and what they are doing.

I Dont believe Jankowski is going to be the #1 Center that some people are going to peg him as. I dont believe he is going to be an impact player. At this point i would have been 100X happier had they drafted TT which is who i wanted months ago.

This.

You've probably known this players name for 30 minutes and you come out and say this. You have no clue about him and if asked before the Flames pick you would've just shrugged your shoulders.

[flamesaresmokin]

We are not doing a full rebuild, so we are unable to still draft intelligently and still consider the teams future?

The beauty of the gaudreau pick (which is similar to this one) was that it was done at the right time. If this guy was on the radar the team should have done more to get an early or mid second round pick well before or during the draft imho.

[Canada 02]

Craig Button quote that I posted a few weeks ago:

Mark Jankowski is an interesting player and obviously a unique story. He has grown to 6'3" from about 5'9" in just under 2 years so was under the radar so to speak. He has excellent skill in all regards. Skating is fast, quick and agile. He has great hands & great vision and awareness & is able to make plays that very few can. He has an ease to his game yet is very determined and competitive. I know there is lots of questions about where he plays but that is of no concern to me because I have seen many players star in the NHL that came out of similar situations. To name a few, Bob Carpenter, Tom Barrasso, Phil Housley, Brian Leetch, Jeremy Roenick and Keith Tkachuk. I think Mark has so much more room to grow as a player & as I have watched him, I have not seen anything that makes me believe that he isn't a very good NHL prospect and I will say it now, he may be as good a player in time as any in the draft.

[kipperfan]

Remember last year when everyone cried about us drafting midgets (especially with our 1st round pick)?

This is definitely an interesting pick. Let's let time judge him.

The way he's been growing the past few years this guy could end up at 6'4-6'6, and that would be simply magnificent. :)

[JayP]

Have you seen either of these players play, for one minute?

Have you? Why are you allowed to vehemently defend it, but anyone who doesn't like it can't voice their opinion?

[Alberta_Beef]

some articles on Jankowski.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/story/2012-04-22/nhl-draft-april-red-line-report/54474130/1

Late last month, Red Line's chief scout and Boston area scout attended the Beantown Spring Classic showcase event to review the top New England prospects, but more important to get several more viewings on draft wild card Mark Jankowski.Much like Shore, the only thing holding Jankowski back from a very high ranking is the difficulty involved in projecting players who have performed at the very lowest competition levels. Jankowski, whose family is from the Toronto area, spent this season at Stanstead College, essentially a college prep school in Quebec's Eastern Townships region, in preparation for entering Providence College next season.
Stanstead's level of competition is so low it doesn't even register on the meter, so not surprisingly, Jankowski is the rawest of raw products in this draft. Playing against some reasonable competition at the Beantown, it was clear that he has the skills to translate to the next level. Where his inexperience shows up is that he doesn't understand positioning or what it takes to compete hard every shift.
As a Sept. 13 birthday, he's one of the youngest players available this year, and that plays in his favor since he presumably has even more development left in him than most others in this class. And already has a lean, projectable frame at 6-2, 175 pounds, to go along with superb natural athleticism and balance.
Given how few skilled forwards there are in this year's crop, someone is going to take a chance on him — and we suspect quite high. Given that his uncle is former New York Islanders chief scout and current Montreal talent hound Ryan Jankowski, we think it's a fair bet the Canadiens will gamble one of their two second-round picks on him. Given the kid's outstanding skating ability and super soft, quick hands, it will be a good gamble.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Stanstead+College+standout+scouts+frenzy/6482165/story.html

While the Central Scouting Service ranks Jankowski 43rd among North American skaters, the latest Craig's List has him rated 15th overall.
"He reminds me of John LeClair," Button said from the Czech Republic, where he is covering the world under-18 championship for TSN. "I talked to people in the OHL and they liked his skill set, but he was 5-foot-8. Since then, he's gone through a growth spurt where he's gained six or seven inches in 18 months, and I think he's still growing."
Button, whose resumé includes a stint as general manager of the Calgary Flames, said Jankowski wasn't on his radar until a friend asked him if he had seen "the kid at Stanstead."
"I've seen him play six or seven times, and each time he's looked better," Button said. "The competition at the prep school level isn't the same as major junior, but you can see the skating, the thinking. You can see he's unselfish. The most important thing is his confidence on the ice. You can see him take over when the game is in the balance."


http://www.hockeyjournal.com/blog/kirks/2012_NHL_Draft_Profile-_Mark_Jankowski

“Jankowski is an interesting player who is getting a lot of attention of late,” said one NHL scout in attendance at the showcase. “He dominated his competition (at Stanstead), but he was expected to do that. I think he did himself a favor skating in the Beantown and showing people how he looked with and against other kids in the draft.
“He’s a raw talent who skates well and is a good playmaker, but he has some bloodlines and with his size and skills, you can see how some are projecting a high ceiling for the kid. Is he a risk? Yes. But he’s also got some homerun potential, too.”




The article is gone now but Dubuque Fighting Saints head coach Jim Montgomery said this:


Mark is a tremendously gifted offensive player who has high-end hockey sense, handles the puck with soft hands, and can shoot it. He’s kind of like a 6’3 John Gaudreau


http://thehockeywriters.com/mark-jankowski-the-next-ones-nhl-2012-draft-prospect-profile-the-wild-card/


“Jankowski is a typical late bloomer as he grew 6 inches this season. His sudden growth spurt has left him rail thin as he is vastly under-developed physically, weighing a slight 170. His strength test results at the Combine were certainly a reflection of that. Nonetheless he is a solid prospect due to his ability to manufacture offence. His vision, puck skills and patience with the puck are his best attributes. More of a finesse player, he lacks a physical dimension to his game. Jankowski skates like a young Jason Spezza as he lacks fluidity but has good levels of speed. His anticpation and hockey sense keep him involved in plays even though he doesn’t have the best start up speed. Jankowski desperately needs to add power and strength to his game. His shot as a result is not very strong nor is the quickness of his release. His sudden spike in development is a healthy sign for NHL clubs. This year he dominated the MPHL and helped his draft stock considerably with a strong end of season showing at the Beanpot Classic playing against better players. Jankowski has the potential to be a top six scoring centre at the NHL level. ” - McKeen’s Director of Scouting David Burstyn

[MrMastodonFarm]

The beauty of the gaudreau pick (which is similar to this one) was that it was done at the right time. If this guy was on the radar the team should have done more to get an early or mid second round pick well before or during the draft imho.

21 = Stupid
42 = Perfect

Amazing.

[Lt.Spears]

Have you seen either of these players play, for one minute?

Have you?

[Ashasx]

Well, at least Dubuque has among the best jerseys in hockey.

http://media.mlive.com/muskegonchronicle/photo/9062628-standard.jpg

[indes]

Finally. A risky pick by Calgary. For a big talented #1 Center who went late because other teams didn't do their homework outside the CHL.

I've been waiting 30 years for us to draft another Nieuwendyk.

It's about F-ing time.

The only thing that bothers me is when Jankowski's coach said it was wild having 25 nhl scouts in stands on a regular basis. The other teams definitely knew what this kid was all about

[JiriHrdina]

And yet you isolate only the people who dislike the pick and don't take pot shots at the people that like it. You don't play the voice of reason very well (or your buddy MastadonFarm too for that matter).

Well I for one find baseless negativity more irritating than baseless optimism. Nothing wrong with being positive instead of whining when you really have no clue about something

[MrMastodonFarm]

Have you? Why are you allowed to vehemently defend it, but anyone who doesn't like it can't voice their opinion?

Oh no, see I'm not. I am totally ignorant of most of these players. I never claimed to be an expert. I am laughing at those like Spears who are also ignorant, but pretending to be experts.

[oldschoolcalgary]

The people that are claiming it as a huge reach react that way because Bobby Mac says so or because they haven't heard of him. People who have been following prospects closely for the last six months are claiming he has the potential to be a number 1 center. Teuvo is more likely to play RW rather than center btw.

The point is that any over reaction - positive or negative is unfounded. Like every pick tonight time will ultimately tell if it was a good one. I feel a lot better about this pick than the Chucko or Pelech pick however.

The reach is because the kid isn't playing a high level of competition, so its pretty hard to tell how good he is, night in, night out.

At 14, Calgary had other players they could have picked outside of TT, who I just say as good value considering his ranking.

people saying that this kid is going to be a number 1 center are equally exaggerating as those of us calling it a reach.

I feel pretty much the same as I did when we dropped down from picking Zajac to pick Chucko.

That said, I would be more than willing to eat crow if this kid turns out.

[Resolute 14]

Dismiss "the board" all you want, I guess everyone in hockey that refers to "the board" is wrong and Mr mastodon is right.

My god are you ever such a whiny little bitch.

And we all know what you mean by this comment. You are crying because people have the audacity to disagree with YOU. Never mind that you are one of the most ignorant fans I've ever seen on this forum.

I'm not going to rush to judge the kid because, like you, I have no clue what he is about. But the Flames do, and that is worth giving him a chance. How about we reconvene in the future when we've had a chance to watch and judge him ourselves? Or do you just prefer to jump to conclusions based in ignorance?

[Captain_Obvious]

Im sorry, but what do you know that clearly puts your opinion ahead of mine?

You can argue that my opinion can be false, but stating yours is the correct opinion is just asinine.

And im here because i truly love the Flames, i dont like what they are doing, but i am a passionate fan and CP is the best place to talk about where the team is heading and what they are doing.

I Dont believe Jankowski is going to be the #1 Center that some people are going to peg him as. I dont believe he is going to be an impact player. At this point i would have been 100X happier had they drafted TT which is who i wanted months ago.

Go ahead and point out what my opinion is...

Because outside of saying that you're a grey cloud of doom, I didn't state one.

I don't have enough info on the kid, our draft order or the context to make an opinion. So instead of freaking out and over reacting, I'll withhold my judgement.

I would wager you know nothing of this kid, so instead of continuing with the non stop gloom spewing, why not do some research and reserve judgement.

The constant negativity couldn't be more tiresome.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Remember two years ago when the Avalanche took Joey Hishon when he was ranked off the board? People where scratching their heads at that move but he ended up having a great season the year after he got drafted. Sucks that he got injured though or else he would have had an even better season this past year:

rGqK9bIU7FQ

Hishon was ranked lower than Jankowski and went higher than he did. The Avs saw that he had upside and it could pay off for them in the future once he gets healthy.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Have you?

Nope, but I am not the one losing my poop over it.

So you're very much against Jankowski and would have preferred the other guy whose name I can't spell properly. You seem to be an expert on both of these guys.

Ever see either of them play?

[Baertschi]

Not liking this pick. Would rather have picked a D man that was available...especially since Jankowski is coming out of HS....

[JiriHrdina]

Have you?

He has admitted to being ignorant about the player as opposed to you who has already projected he won't be a number one centre

[moon]

I'd rather draft him than play it safe by going with one of the potential 2nd or 3rd line players that are still available.

What makes this guy anymore likely to be a first line center than guys like Gaunce?

This high risk high reward BS is just that BS. His high reward is no more higher than say Gaunce, the Finnish kid, Maata etc. Its fine to like the pick but his potential is not higher than other kids that went before or around him which is why he was picked where he was.

That's a good thing, I'm not pretending to be an expert like most of the dummies going crazy in the past hour.

You mean like Caged Great who is acting much more like an expert than anyone but since he is saying ridiculously positive things I guess people won't whine about that.

I can't say I am surprised at the names of the people crying the loudest about this pick. And something tells me that they are crying so much because they never heard of the kid, therefore he must be a terrible pick. Personally, I think anyone rushing to judge this pick today is a fool.

I can't say I am surprised about at the names of people overrating and rushing to spin this pick.

[flamesaresmokin]

21 = Stupid
42 = Perfect

Amazing.

So you're the ultimate voice of reason? If this were the oilers or canucks you'd be one of the first one's lining up talking about what a poor move it was. :bag:

[MrMastodonFarm]

You mean like Caged Great who is acting much more like an expert than anyone but since he is saying ridiculously positive things I guess people won't whine about that..

Caged Great was (apparently) saying good things about him prior to the Flames drafting him. So that gives him some credibility.

Also to add, I don't think optimism is a bad thing. People tend to forget the fan part of Sports Fan.

[Dion]

From a purely fan perspective it's hard to like the pick, it's a player no one has heard of. But we aren't scouts or management.

From a Flames fan perspective, I'd be disappointed that they passed on (seemingly) better picks at the #14 spot. Though we won't know for sure for a number of years, it's only natural for a large number of the fanbase to be disappointed at this time.

The kid has a ton of upside and great hockey sense. Then there's the fact that 25 scouts were showing up to watch this kid play. It seems he was on the radar of alot of teams and many were interested in him. For sure he's a bit of a gamble but i'm willing to wait to see how he pans out. Besides it's not as if were going to challenge for the Cup anytime soon so why not build for the future.

[flames_1987]

What makes this guy anymore likely to be a first line center than guys like Gaunce?

This high risk high reward BS is just that BS. His high reward is no more higher than say Gaunce, the Finnish kid, Maata etc. Its fine to like the pick but his potential is not higher than other kids that went before or around him which is why he was picked where he was.



You mean like Caged Great who is acting much more like an expert than anyone but since he is saying ridiculously positive things I guess people won't whine about that.



I can't say I am surprised about at the names of people overrating and rushing to spin this pick.

Actually by all accounts it sounds like this kid is much more of a project then those other players named and that he is much more high risk/ high reward.

[Metro Gnome]

Flames and Jankowski saying they think he can be the best player in the draft down the road.

Kid is tall but thin. Was poised in interviews. Apparently Weisbrod really liked when he saw him live. Flames interviewed him 3 times and he had an idea they were interested, but wasn't sure when he'd go in the draft.

Personally, I think it's risky to take a kid out of a second tier HS league just because it's hard to put his talent in proper context. I also liked Teuvo Teravainen a bit more when the Flames are at 14. We'll see how he does in Dubuque next year though.

[dino7c]

I can see why people are disappointing....dropping down and going totally off the board but the fact is nobody knows about any of these guys

[Dion]

Flames and Jankowski saying they think he can be the best player in the draft down the road.

Kid is tall but thin. Was poised in interviews. Apparently Weisbrod really liked when he saw him live. Flames interviewed him 3 times and he had an idea they were interested, but wasn't sure when he'd go in the draft.

Personally, I think it's risky to take a kid out of a second tier HS league just because it's hard to put his talent in proper context. I also liked Teuvo Teravainen a bit more when the Flames are at 14. We'll see how he does in Dubuque next year though.

He was playing in a tourny in 2011 with players 3-4 years older than him. Still he was a standout with his play.

[Resolute 14]

I can't say I am surprised about at the names of people overrating and rushing to spin this pick.

Was wondering when you'd show up.

I'm neither overrating nor spinning the pick. The spin is coming from guys like flamesaresmokin and Lt.Spears who, as usual, don't let their own ignorance get in the way of a good negative spin.

You guys are so completely off the rails that you actually think a neutral opinion of "I don't know him so I'll reserve judgement at this time" constitutes overrating the pick or applying a positive spin.

Stupid is as stupid does.

[Lt.Spears]

Nope, but I am not the one losing my poop over it.


Then call out the ones saying he is going to be our future #1 and this was an excellent pick.

Yeesh, just because i think we picked the wrong guy and moved the wrong way means im the wrong one even though 99% of this board knows nothing about Jankowski.

[Spinach]

Well, at least Dubuque has among the best jerseys in hockey.


Nice. The logo reminds me of the old Cleveland Barons' one with the gothic lettering.

Anyhow, as surprised as I am about taking Jankowski, I'm sincerely interested in whether there were better choices at 21 overall. Let's forget for the moment that the Flames had the 14th pick. For me, Maata would be the obvious name, but I didn't watch him (or Jankowski) play, so I'm just going to say I like the sound of Jankowski's potential upside better.

I'm more interested in how some of you who watch these prospects might have preferred at 21.

[kukkudo]

What makes this guy anymore likely to be a first line center than guys like Gaunce?

This high risk high reward BS is just that BS. His high reward is no more higher than say Gaunce, the Finnish kid, Maata etc. Its fine to like the pick but his potential is not higher than other kids that went before or around him which is why he was picked where he was.



You mean like Caged Great who is acting much more like an expert than anyone but since he is saying ridiculously positive things I guess people won't whine about that.



I can't say I am surprised about at the names of people overrating and rushing to spin this pick.

Look everyone the MOON showed up.

[Captain_Obvious]

I can't say I am surprised about at the names of people overrating and rushing to spin this pick.

I'm surprised you'd show up and be negative. That's just as much a shocker

[moon]

Actually by all accounts it sounds like this kid is much more of a project then those other players named and that he is much more high risk/ high reward.

He certainly seems more high risk but not sure what makes him more high reward than other guys at his draft position.

What about him makes him more likely to be a #1 center than say Gaunce or Teravainen? What makes him more likely to be an impact player than Maata?

[getbak]

How many times in the first round has an NHL GM stood up athe podium and said "From xyz High School, .... are proud to select..."???!!!
I know I've seen US High School players drafted before. Also, other players in a similar situation (looking to play for an NCAA school and not able to play in the CHL to keep their eligibility) have been drafted from the AJHL and BCJHL before. I don't know if there's much difference between those leagues and where Jankowski is playing.

[Mightyfire89]

My god are you ever such a whiny little bitch.

And we all know what you mean by this comment. You are crying because people have the audacity to disagree with YOU. Never mind that you are one of the most ignorant fans I've ever seen on this forum.

I'm not going to rush to judge the kid because, like you, I have no clue what he is about. But the Flames do, and that is worth giving him a chance. How about we reconvene in the future when we've had a chance to watch and judge him ourselves? Or do you just prefer to jump to conclusions based in ignorance?

I don't necessarily disagree with you, but your ability to make personal attacks and get away with it is unparalleled on this site.

Congratulations, Sir.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Then call out the ones saying he is going to be our future #1 and this was an excellent pick.

Yeesh, just because i think we picked the wrong guy and moved the wrong way means im the wrong one even though 99% of this board knows nothing about Jankowski.

You've done a marvelous job avoiding my question. You spun the question back on me and I actually answered, so... a third time.... have you seen either player play, for even one minute?

[Stay Golden]

I feel somewhat cheated with the Flames passing over so many ranked skilled players. I do no like the idea of the Flames having the 14th pick in thie hands and instead end up selecting a very unproven player ranked middle of he 2nd round

Reminds me of Sutter taking another project playing not against whl, ohl, qmj talent. Chucko.

[sureLoss]

I have no idea how this pick is going to turn out.

I am scared and excited about this pick at the same time.

Jankowski is going to be the pick that defines Feaster and Wisebrod's tenures in the Flames organizations.

[calumniate]

Aww moon did you have to moon up this thread really?

By that I mean just try to stay on topic plz

[Lobotroth]

Then call out the ones saying he is going to be our future #1 and this was an excellent pick.

Yeesh, just because i think we picked the wrong guy and moved the wrong way means im the wrong one even though 99% of this board knows nothing about Jankowski.

Guess I'll get in on this ######ation:

Why "call out" people who are just being optimistic? That's like telling someone who is smiling to stop smiling.

[Caged Great]

You mean like Caged Great who is acting much more like an expert than anyone but since he is saying ridiculously positive things I guess people won't whine about that.

Unlike a lot of people, I am extremely thorough when scouting for the CPHL draft, and had him rated as a 10/10 on my list and tried to trade to get him (didn't think he'd go in the 1st round in the CPHL draft) and did not get him.

However, for pure upside, he has as much upside as any forward in the draft, and perhaps more than some of the bigger names. He's a bit of an unknown due to his size change and will have to fill out, but he's basically as good offensively as John Gaudreau is and is both a good playmaker and has a good shot. If he figures out how to use his size, he could easily be in the same class as Jamie Benn.

That's why I am so thrilled with this pick because I do know a good amount about him, and was mentioning him months ago as a good potential player.

It's not like I'm just waving the pom poms just because. He could very well be the 1st line Center that we've been looking for for 20 years

[JayP]

My god are you ever such a whiny little bitch.

And we all know what you mean by this comment. You are crying because people have the audacity to disagree with YOU. Never mind that you are one of the most ignorant fans I've ever seen on this forum.

I'm not going to rush to judge the kid because, like you, I have no clue what he is about. But the Flames do, and that is worth giving him a chance. How about we reconvene in the future when we've had a chance to watch and judge him ourselves? Or do you just prefer to jump to conclusions based in ignorance?

You're already giving us your opinion of the pick by isolating only the negative comments. You tell everyone you're neutral and then attack posters on one side of the discussion. Typical.

[oldschoolcalgary]

hey, if he does well in the CHL, then I think a lot of naysayers, including myself, will eat crow...until he faces the grind of playing other NHL caliber players on a consistent basis, it's very difficult to see how those skills will hold up.

[SOMBRI2]

based on what the press has and various opinions. i am cautiously optimistic. but we find something money can't buy: good hockey IQ in this kid...

hope it turns out.

[moon]

Was wondering when you'd show up.

I'm neither overrating nor spinning the pick. The spin is coming from guys like flamesaresmokin and Lt.Spears who, as usual, don't let their own ignorance get in the way of a good negative spin.

You guys are so completely off the rails that you actually think a neutral opinion of "I don't know him so I'll reserve judgement at this time" constitutes overrating the pick or applying a positive spin.

Stupid is as stupid does.

What are you talking about?

I never stated that you were one of the people spinning. I don't think that I'll wait to see how he turnsout is spinning.

I think "he will be a number 1 center in two years" is certainly not a neutral view. I think the high reward comments in regards to others around him is a bit of spin as well.

As usual you don;t read what is written and go off on some useless personal rant that has nothing to do with what I posted.

[Roof-Daddy]

Mark 'Fricken' Jankowski

Was sad when they traded away #14, but I love the high risk, high reward pick they ended up making.

Can't wait to see who they sang with #42 tomorrow.

[Lt.Spears]

Guess I'll get in on this ######ation:

Why "call out" people who are just being optimistic? That's like telling someone who is smiling to stop smiling.

Why call out people for being pessimistic?

[SebC]

Isn't the draft about getting the best player not the best player in the next 2-3 years?Not for me. To me it's first about getting a guy who can outperform his ELC, and then after that who will excel before UFA.

Who cares if Jankowski will be the best player from the draft in 10 years when he'll be UFA in 7?

I want guys who can play in the AHL in ELC year one, adjust to the NHL in ELC year two, and make an impact in ELC year three. Then hopefully you still have some good RFA years after that.

[dino7c]

what are the chances that Feaster is still the GM by the time this kid plays

[moon]

I'm surprised you'd show up and be negative. That's just as much a shocker

Where am I being negative?

Show one negative thing I have said about the kid.

[SeoulFire]

I feel somewhat cheated with the Flames passing over so many ranked skilled players. I do no like the idea of the Flames having the 14th pick in thie hands and instead end up selecting a very unproven player ranked middle of he 2nd round

Reminds me of Sutter taking another project playing not against whl, ohl, qmj talent. Chucko.

Nobody in the draft is proven.

[kipperfan]

Mark 'Fricken' Jankowski

It has a certain ring to it, let's hope that thread to be flourishes in the next year or two. ;)